Chapter 23: You Seem To Like Throwing Your Shield Very Much

Captain America didn't let up. He followed his kick with another, aiming for Jiang Chen's side. But Jiang Chen bent backward, dodging the blow with a graceful arc. Captain America spun into a back kick, hoping to catch him off guard, but Jiang Chen blocked it again—this time using the very shield Captain America had lost.

Boom! The impact rang out, the sound reverberating through the night. But once again, it was Captain America who felt the brunt of it. The shield absorbed the force of his kick and reflected it back into his leg, sending a painful jolt through his body.

Cap winced. This shield… it's a double-edged sword when used against me.

Captain America's strength was far from ordinary, and every move he made carried devastating power. But as he knew all too well, the more power he used, the more the vibranium shield bounced back against him. Without his shield, each attack felt like he was hitting a wall—one that fought back.

I need to get my shield back, he thought. Otherwise, his every attack would be like punching himself.

Determined, Captain America lunged at Jiang Chen, grabbing the shield and attempting a quick backflip to throw Jiang Chen off balance. His speed was incredible—seamless and fluid, each move blending into the next. Years of combat experience and countless battles had honed his skills to a razor's edge.

Jiang Chen, however, remained unfazed. Though Captain America was faster and more agile, he had underestimated the power of Extremis flowing through Jiang Chen's body. Plus, Jiang Chen had no interest in dragging this fight out.

Enough of this, Jiang Chen thought. Let's end it.

Gathering his strength, Jiang Chen unleashed a wave of fiery energy. Flames erupted from his body, roaring like a furnace, and engulfed Captain America before he had a chance to dodge.

Boom!

Captain America was sent flying, tumbling several meters away before crashing to the ground. His helmeted head bounced with a hard thud, and the shield he had fought so hard to retrieve fell from his grip once again, clattering on the pavement. The iconic letter "A" on his helmet glinted in the dim light as he lay there, dazed.

Though Jiang Chen's fiery strike hadn't inflicted any life-threatening injuries, it left Captain America in intense pain. Every muscle in his body ached from the sheer force of the blast, and for a moment, he struggled to catch his breath.

Cap cursed under his breath. This isn't going as planned.

His entire strategy was built on speed and precision, but Jiang Chen's unpredictable power kept disrupting it. Every time Captain America thought he had the upper hand, Jiang Chen would retaliate with a counter so swift, it was as if he could predict his moves.

Captain America glanced at Jiang Chen, who stood calmly a few paces away, the faintest smile on his face. That smile—a look of quiet confidence—was maddening. He didn't look exhausted or even remotely concerned. It was as if everything was going exactly as Jiang Chen had planned.

Cap gritted his teeth, trying to shake off the lingering pain. How is this possible? Am I really this outmatched?

Jiang Chen's voice interrupted his thoughts. "I have to admit," he said with a smirk, "your shield is pretty useful. But what I don't get is... why do you keep throwing it away?"

Before Captain America could respond, Jiang Chen lifted the shield and hurled it back at him with astonishing speed. The shield hurtled through the air, closing the distance between them in an instant.

Boom!

Captain America barely had time to react before his own shield slammed into him, knocking him back once again. The impact reverberated through his entire body, leaving him momentarily stunned. Though he forced himself back onto his feet through sheer willpower, he knew the truth. If this fight continued, he had no chance of winning.

He glanced at Jiang Chen, who was standing confidently, that same annoying smile still plastered on his face. He wasn't even breaking a sweat. Despite the fierce battle they had just engaged in, Jiang Chen looked completely relaxed, as though this was all just a game to him.

That calm arrogance infuriated Captain America. How could he stay so composed, so smug, in the middle of such an intense battle? It was as if Jiang Chen had known from the start how this would end.

Cap felt a surge of frustration. What kind of man is this? he thought, feeling both angered and helpless.

Jiang Chen, noticing Captain America's struggle, spoke again, his tone light but mocking. "What's the matter? You seem like you're starting to doubt yourself. Don't tell me you're losing your touch?"

Before Captain America could retort, a deafening boom echoed across the battlefield. The sound of thrusters roaring filled the air as a gust of wind kicked up dust and debris around them.

Jiang Chen looked up, his eyes narrowing.

Descending from the sky in a sleek suit of red and gold was none other than Iron Man. The armored figure landed gracefully between them, his repulsors glowing as he assessed the situation.

Without a word, Iron Man scooped up Captain America and flew them both into the sky, disappearing into the clouds.

Jiang Chen watched them go, a slight frown on his face. "Really?" he muttered. "Leaving without so much as a goodbye? Not very polite."

Just as he was contemplating the abrupt end to their fight, a small, childish voice spoke behind him.

"Big brother," it said, the tone soft and innocent.

Jiang Chen turned, curious, to see who had spoken.